Inmate Medi-Cal Enrollment

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Studies have shown, inmates with active health coverage at discharge have improved continuity of care, well-being, and reduced recidivism. San Bernardino County has taken a unique approach to this challenge by expanding Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) application services to inmates by partnering the County Transitional Assistance and Sheriff’s Departments with Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Together we have implemented a Medi-Cal outreach and enrollment process specifically targeting jail populations throughout the region. Efforts include trained on-site staff providing application assistance to inmates, coordinating and centralizing eligibility, correctional, and CBO staff to streamline the process, and enhanced communication with inmates to facilitate successful Medi-Cal enrollment. By implementing this program, San Bernardino County has obtained 1,999 Medi-Cal applications from county inmates. Of that number, 1,789 have been successfully enrolled into an active Medi-Cal case, a 90% success rate.